Legacy Society

A CONSEQUENTIAL LEGACY

Global citizen, philanthropist and non-profit professional has long-term plans to return the favour

Dane Bland ’11 is unequivocal— he wants his contributions to be meaningful. With a strong desire to give back guiding his path, the Business Administration (B.B.A.) graduate understands the powerful impact of hard work driven by generosity and compassion.

Dane is thankful for those who supported his multi-faceted education and unleashed his potential. He is determined to do the same for future generations of Trent University students. As a committed global citizen who hasn’t yet reached his thirties, this recipient of the 2021 Paul Delaney Award for outstanding young philanthropists is building the legacy of a lifetime. “My passion for justice, human rights, and making the world a better place were cultivated during my time at Trent,” states Dane.

A certified fundraising executive, he is currently the director of development and communications at Rainbow Railroad. The international organization helps LGTBQI+ individuals facing persecution and violence in many countries where it is unsafe to live freely and openly. “I’m in love with my job,” exclaims Dane a cisgender, openly queer man, who is honoured to use his skillset, and to pay forward the privilege and loving support that he has received, in an effort to aid others. Dane is an experienced professional in the charitable and not-for-profit sector ranging in fields from healthcare to arts and culture, having served as a board member and volunteer for many organizations including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

It all comes back to his Trent foundations. While honing his critical thinking skills, learning about the world, and making life-long friends at Trent and in Peterborough, he shares, “I learned a lot about who I was as a human being and who I wanted to be.” He recalls memorable academic experiences such as developing a reading list for class or lively discussions with classmates and faculty at local cafés. A devoted Otonabee College alumnus, he also participated in many extra-curriculars on campus. The Anne Shirley Theatre Company, associated with the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), provided opportunities to immerse himself in performances as both an actor and director. “I was drawn to doing parts that were of consequence, that inspired social conversation.”